The Hyundai Motor Company hit the ground running in 1968 with the Cortina as its pioneer model. Notably, the company combined efforts with the Ford Motor Company to manufacture the Cortina. The first rollout was the beginning of a long, successful journey, seeing that Hyundai is among the most renowned brands in the automotive industry. Since its inception in South Korea, Hyundai grew at an impressive rate, and in the mid-80s, the company found its way to the U.S. market. Hyundai has remained true to the dictates of its name, which loosely translates to “modernity.”
Price/Value
How much you pay for your Hyundai vehicle depends on several factors, such as the specific model and any extras or packages. However, the price range is quite wide, so there is something for everyone. On the lower side are models such as the Accent, with a starting MSRP of $16,270. On the upper extreme, there are models such as the NEXO with a starting MSRP of $59,910.
Depreciation
Hyundai vehicles can be termed as average in terms of depreciation. Although some of their vehicles fall below the five-year-average mark, others are above the line. For instance, the Tucson and Elantra are above the five-year average.
Reliability
Hyundai is known for consistently manufacturing reliable vehicles. Consequently, the company has received numerous accolades from reliable sources. For instance, J.D. Power named Hyundai Motor Group as the highest in initial quality.
Hyundai Models
Hyundai continues to remain competitive by manufacturing excellent vehicles in each segment. Here are some of its most popular models and their outstanding features.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade made its debut on the market in 2018. The midsize SUV is family-friendly with generous passenger and cargo space. The Palisade comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. They are all powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard SE features include a good infotainment system and rear parking sensors. The SEL is a step up with additional features such as roof rails and remote ignition. On the extreme end is the Limited trim, which has added features such as a dual sunroof and interior ambient lighting.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is an excellent model in the hybrid and electric car class. The model is available in three variations: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric. All of them have remarkable fuel economy ratings as well as ample passenger and cargo space. Although the Ioniq is not the quickest car, the engine is quite energetic and the six-speed automatic is standard.
You’ll get a fuel economy of 59 mpg on the highway and 57 mpg in the city with the Ioniq. The electric model gives you an all-electric range of 170 miles and gets an impressive MPGe of 133.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan with so much to offer. It is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. The 2020 model has been a force to reckon with. It has some remarkable technology features, such as remote parking assist, that allows you to step outside and park the car using buttons. The interior is also great, with plenty of passenger room.
The model comes with a standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed transmission. Most importantly, the powertrains are fuel-efficient, with the hybrid versions scoring the highest EPA estimates at a combined 52 mpg. It’s an impressive vehicle in its class, the fuel efficiency being the icing on the cake.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai is not afraid to try a daring design as the Elantra model shows. The Elantra is quite versatile as well. For instance, the 2020 model gives you a choice between hatchback and sedan body styles. Both of them offer a smooth ride, thanks to the Elantra’s suspension that soaks up most of the flaws along the road.
The Elantra sedan comes in six trims: SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited, Eco, and Sport. On the other hand, the hatchback comes in two trim levels: base and N Line. The car is ideal for everyday commuters.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona debuted in 2018, targeting people looking for small SUVs. There have been a few key changes in the subsequent years. For instance, the 2019 model came with more standard driver assistance features, such as pedestrian detection. The 2020 model gained adaptive cruise control.
Besides these features, the Kona comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower. You can choose from the six available trims: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Night Edition, Limited, and Ultimate. Generally, the Kona is easy to drive and quite comfortable. The base engine model with front-wheel drive provides a fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, solid figures for a car of this class.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Like other Hyundai models, the Santa Fe comes with numerous standard features, including driver aids such as adaptive cruise control. The 2020 model is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. All trims have a standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Hyundai Santa Fe is comfortable, and the technology comes in handy in keeping everyone connected.
Maintenance
How much you spend in terms of maintenance may vary depending on the model, age, and your driving habits. However, on average, it might cost you around $468 each year, which is quite lower than the industry-wide average of $652. Notably, Hyundai also offers prepaid maintenance plans, which can go up to seven years. These plans can be transferred to subsequent owners. Since Hyundai is quite a renowned brand, finding spare parts isn’t much of a struggle.
Environmental Impact
Hyundai acknowledges the prevailing environmental regulations and strives to align with them. It continues to manufacture eco-friendlier vehicles by increasing the efficiency of the engines. Technology such as Dual Port Fuel Injection and Integrated Thermal Management System are ways of implementing high fuel efficiency.
Hyundai has also resorted to using eco-friendlier materials and recycling waste resources. Additionally, the company made a few changes in the business, such as improving hydrogen structure in an attempt to reduce environmental impact. The company went the extra mile and established the Global Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Center.
Features
Hyundai continuously strives to offer luxury and safety in all its models. In pursuit of this goal, Hyundai offers a Tech Package for most of its models, elevating the driving experience. Some of the features in the package include highway drive assist, wireless charging, and USB ports in the second row of seats.
Safety
All Hyundai models have intelligent safety features, giving you peace of mind while on the road. All models are fitted with top-notch systems that keep the car stable. Besides, they are equipped with features that come in handy in case the driver gets distracted. These driver aids include automatic rear occupant alert, blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and smart cruise control. These intelligent safety features not only protect people inside the car but other road users as well.
What’s Next?/Future Products
Hyundai has experienced tremendous success in past years. However, the future looks even brighter. Particularly, Hyundai is eyeing electric vehicle production.
Although the company has already ventured into EV production, it intends to expand even further. Hyundai intends to spend $87 billion within the next five years on the production of electric and autonomous vehicles. The company plans to expand its portfolio of EVs to an impressive 44 models.
